Degen active MF loop TG33

[simone]

Hi all,
there is also an active loop for mediumwave available from Degen. It looks pretty much the same as the DE31 and is called TG33; like the one for HF it works great with the DWT, see results (from last Sat) on 1296 kHz attached
Simone

[VE6IZ]

Is anyone using/has used this antenna with their radios?

Mine I have had for a year, and this unit is absolutely superb! My friend has the degen unit, and in head to head tests, my WL-500 outdid it both in tuning range, signal strength, and lower noise pickup.

I guess it should for a 15:1 price difference! :rolleyes:

Darren

VE6IZ

[simone]

Hi Darren,
was the comparison that you did on HF or MF? Are you using the AOR 500LM (optional, directional bar antenna for the AOR WL500) for MF?
Simone

[VE6IZ]

Actually Simone, the testing was with the DE31 HF loop versus the AOR WL-500 using the HF/SW element. I have not tested the MW version of the Degen. I recently aquired the last LM-500 LW/MW element from Universal Radio in Ohio, and it is en route to me. The first LM-500 element was faulty.

Once I get to try this new element versus my CCrane Twin coil Ferrite (TCF) antenna, I'll let you folks know how these two compare.

I spoke with AOR in the US, and their head technician informed me that the reason the WL-500 was discontinued was that one of the key components were no longer sourceable. I suspect that a combination of the DE31 sales and interest and the fact that the WL-500 was never marketed properly is most likely the main reason for this product being discontinued.

Having said this, if you can get your hands on one, it is a real gem! With the amplifier/tuner unit having a +16dB gain and a respectable IP3 of +14.5dB, its strong signal handling is rather good. I live in an area within 15km of 8x50kW MW transmitters. Some are 8km, a few 10km, etc., and 2 more are within 20km. This loop handles the 90m and 60m bands well, though where I am at at ground level and in a noisy apartment complex, any intermod may be hidden in the local noise. Tuning is razor sharp, and very smooth.

I did try it at a friend's place recently again, with my 7600GR and Sat800. Both radios were treated to a smorgasboard of nice, clean signals. Even Iran and some of the weaker Eastern European stations [for me, being in Alberta in the Canadian prairies that is!] were very good. I consistently thought I was using a 100' wire outside - that's how good these are!

My SWL friend in Halifax got one recently, and he's VERY impressed. It compares favorably against his Wellbrook 1530S and 100' Par antenna. Certainly, most signals are close or slightly to stronger in both outside units, but there's nothing that all three do not receive, unless orientation is a factor. Considering a 60cm square wire loop is able to do that, I'd say it was a true gem. I hope that AOR does offer a new design to that antenna. It is superbly engineered.

Darren
VE6IZ